Kevin Durant almost joined Heat after LeBron James left, reveal former teammates
Former Miami Heat stars Hassan Whiteside and Udonis Haslem shared their thoughts on Kevin Durant during an episode of the OGs podcast.
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L-R: Udonis Haslem, Hassan Whiteside and Kevin Durant
The possibility of Kevin Durant joining the Miami Heat in 2016 would have sent shockwaves to rival fans in the NBA. Interestingly, this is what former Heat star Hassan Whiteside thought of after LeBron James left the franchise in 2014.
The Heat were one of the most ruthless sides in the NBA during the early 2010s era. However, after James left, the Heat weren’t the same anymore. They fell off as other sides took over in the Eastern Conference. In addition, Whiteside opened up as a guest on “The OGs” show regarding the time he intended to get Kevin Durant to the Heat. Also, another Heat star, Udonis Haslem, claimed on the show that Durant did not want to be compared to James in his prime ‘all the time.”
I told Pat [Riley], I said if KD comes I'll take less money. It was more so about winning. We would have Goran, D-Wade, Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, and then me at the five... I'm here for it.Hassan Whiteside said
However, Durant to the Heat did not materialize with the star choosing to play for the Golden State Warriors instead.
Whiteside played for the Heat from 2014 to 2019, averaging 14.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. While his stint in the NBA was brief, he was one of the league’s greatest centers for a while and a key member of the Heat. Hence, Durant’s addition to the Heat side would have undoubtedly made the Heat title contenders.
Kevin Durant does not “regret” his decisions regarding NBA teams he has played for in his career
Kevin Durant is one of the most iconic players in the NBA and has been performing consistently for years. Notably, Durant switched many teams in his NBA career, with his move to the Warriors being the most successful one.
However, after leaving the Warriors, Durant did not win a single NBA title, which raised a few questions. Durant opened up in a Fox Sports interview that he did not regret leaving the Warriors despite not winning anything as of yet.
Hell, no, I don't regret anything I do. I don't regret my time in the league because I feel like I maximize every day as a player. I feel like I get the most out of myself every time I step on the floor.Kevin Durant said
Durant left the Warriors for the Brooklyn Nets to partner up with another star, Kyrie Irving. Many believed that the super-duo would win NBA titles together. However, it did not happen with the duo separating in 2023. Now, Durant is playing for the Phoenix Suns and will be hoping to make a mark by winning the NBA title in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
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Kartik Mudaliar
(976 Articles Published)